Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: My first sales job was in the surf section at Big W where I helped customers and sold a new surf brand that had just launched in-store. I absolutely loved it – it was such a great confidence booster at just 15 years old.
Looking back, it was the perfect start to my sales career. I had no idea at the time that it would eventually lead me into the travel and tourism industry, where I still get to do what I love every day.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: I like to learn and familiarise myself with the company and its products as much as possible before I even start a role.
I make it a priority to know everything I can from day one. In my spare time I’ll go on websites, watch videos and do whatever I can to get a head start.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and embrace learning as you go. No one expects you to know everything right away, so be honest, stay curious and soak up as much knowledge as you can.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey. It’s an exciting and rewarding industry with endless opportunities to grow and explore.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what career path might you have taken?
A: I knew I always wanted to work in sales, so I guess it would have been selling something, but hard to imagine not working in the travel industry as it’s my absolute passion and I always made sure that whatever I was selling it would be a product I was passionate about.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking right now?
A: I think it’s all very positive. As Australians we love to travel and I don’t think anything will ever stop our love of travel, both young and old.
I love going into travel agency/businesses/offices and hearing how busy everyone is and that people are travelling, it brings so much joy to my day.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: My husband and kids because it means we are going on another wonderful family adventure and I love seeing new destinations through my children’s eyes. It’s the greatest gift as a mum.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: Wow, this is a tough one! Africa will always have my heart – my husband and I travelled through eight countries and every experience was pure magic.
From game drives spotting the Big Five in the Serengeti to skydiving over the Namibian sand dunes, white-water rafting down the mighty Zambezi, trekking with gorillas in Uganda and dancing to African beats on Zanzibar Island – it’s a continent that fills your soul and stays with you forever.
If I had to choose somewhere else, it would be New York City. I’ve been six times and every trip, I discover something new. There’s an energy about it that I can’t even put into words. It’s just a feeling and I love what it does to me every time I visit.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: The one that stands out is when I finally got to tick off a huge bucket list item – trekking with the gorillas in Uganda.
The day had arrived and I was bursting with excitement as we drove to the entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an hour and a half of trekking through thick forest, the moment I had dreamed of was finally here – we were about to step off the main path and into the jungle to meet the gorillas.
Eager to be at the front of the group, I pushed ahead and as we got closer I could hear them. Tears streamed down my face. This was it, my dream was becoming reality.
Then just metres away I saw him. A massive silverback, even more impressive than I had imagined. I was overwhelmed with joy…until he suddenly turned and charged straight at me!
Instinct kicked in and I dropped into the foetal position as instructed. His powerful fist swiped just over my shoulder and in that split second, my excitement turned into sheer terror. Let’s just say, I was bloody scared.
Luckily, I was unharmed, just completely in awe (and maybe a little shaken). After that, I decided the back of the group was a much safer place to be!
We spent the rest of the time sitting with a gorilla family, watching the playful babies swing through the trees. It was pure magic and I never wanted it to end. When we finally made our way back through the jungle, our group sat together, still in disbelief over what we had just experienced.
To this day, it remains one of the most incredible things I have ever done in all my years of travel.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Prestige Safaris?
A: I’m most excited about selling my dream continent and sharing the incredible experiences that make Africa so special to me. There’s something truly magical about this part of the world and I love being able to pass that passion on to others.
Plus, working with Adam Atkin, who has such deep knowledge and love for Africa, is a privilege. I can’t wait to learn from him and share that insight with my industry partners.
